(Have had a bit of a clear out of my documents and found a couple of pieces that would fit well on this blog. Following posts will detail and review the double winning seasons of 1994/95 and 1995/96. I have done a fair bit of research/watching old games just hope no one finds it strange me writing about this as it is a period I certainly couldn‘t remember due to age and things like are probably better written by a fan who lived through that time. Feel free also to point out any inaccuracies, there’s bound to be a-few!)
MAKE MINE A DOUBLE!
DOING IT DOMESTICALLY 1993/94
Winning the FA Cup and the Championship in the same season, was up until 1994 something that only three other teams had succeeded in achieving in the 20th Century. Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool were sides who had won the double, Manchester United became the fourth. United were the first team to win a domestic double to include the Premier League and the first team to do so since Liverpool in 1986. It was, the 1993/94 double winning season a historic achievement as it was the first time it had been done in the clubs history.
United made just one signing that summer and said player broke the club and countries transfer record. A certain Irishman came in to bolster the team and to be the long term replacement for the legendary but ageing Bryan Robson. Roy Keane was the most expensive player in England, he had built up a reputation and had, had an impressive season. He was the player that Ferguson just had to get. Having painfully lost out on another player he greatly admired in Alan Shearer to Blackburn, Fergie wasn’t going to let Keane slip through his fingers. He was signed from the relegated Nottingham Forest for a fee of £3.75 million and what made it better was that he was nabbed from right under Kenny Dalglishes nose. Many clubs/managers were interested in Keane, none more so than Dalglish and Keane in later days recalled the fury of the Scotsman when told he’d no longer be signing for Blackburn. Present day fans consider that he, (aside from Cantona) is the most important signing United’s made and this can certainly be justified in the influence and the service he gave United in his long tenure at the club.
The season started very well when as reigning champions, the team took on Arsenal in the Charity Shield at Wembley. Mark Hughes continued his happy habit of scoring goals at the London location by scoring the opener. Ian Wright brought the match to one all. The game still couldn’t be decided in normal time, so went to penalties. United went on to win the shoot out. Fans were given a first glimpse of the clubs new signing in a United shirt, it seems hard to believe Keane was just twenty one when he signed for United (and he scored his pen too!). Keane didn’t need to wait long to score his first official United goal, it came on the second game of the league season versus Sheffield United. The season was started strongly with five wins and a draw in United’s opening fixtures. In United’s eighth league match an important one nil victory was gained over London rivals Arsenal. The goal separating the sides was a thunderous free kick from the boot of Eric Cantona. United’s form in the league over the course of the season was excellent, the home record was near perfect with the team having suffered just one loss at Old Trafford all season long. In total the team had lost, only four matches. The title was finally sealed on the first of May in a tricky match away versus Ipswich Town. In the league alone the team scored a total of 78 goals and the team enjoyed an unbeaten streak of 22 matches from late September to late February. Over the course of the league season there were certain matches in which the results were essential and these matches played a crucial part in United winning the league for the second season running. On the seventh of November there was a key win against City. Derby wins are important, but this one in particular to aid United’s momentum and to prevent the team from going off course. It was a thrilling match in which United came from 2-0 behind to win the match. It was played at a time when the team desperately needed a boost. At the tail end of the season in mid March, the team gave a rallying call by defiantly beating Sheffield Wednesday 5-0, in which Cantona scored a brace. Vital victories against rival teams in a tricky run in helped a great deal in United’s race to the title. The main results that stick out are a 1-0 victory against Liverpool (ironically now) was won by an Ince goal. A 2-0 victory away to Leeds at Elland road, Ferguson himself regard this as one of the delights of the whole season. Never a good place to go, with the Cantona transfer and his success- the Leeds fans brought an extra vile intensity to the matches. A close encounter with relegation candidates Oldham at the start of April, a game in which Canton was suspended can also be looked at as a crucial win. Finally that all important match that sealed the title on the first of May played away against Ipswich Town.
The season seen the team play attractive football, with a belief, determination and very often a swagger. Their football was flamboyant, free and adventurous and not shackled down by specific tactics- particularly tactics to fit in with more of a continental style of football, It was a side of strong characters who could play hard if needs be. For a-lot of fans it is regarded as the best side Ferguson’s assembled, looking through the names you would be hard pushed to argue. You had big Peter Schmeichel in goal, a solid centre back pairing of Bruce and Pallister, the diminutive ever reliable Irwin, England’s right back Parker, two incredible midfielders in Keane and Ince, pace, trickery, style and directness on the wings supplied by Giggs, Kanchelskis and Sharpe. And upfront, the talismanic creative genius of Cantona and fans favourite Hughes with his powerful shooting, bravery and brilliant volleys. Though aged thirty six and being given a hard time with injury Bryan Robson played his fair share of games and was very influential too. The team just oozed class, quality and want for a better description there were a-lot of “real men” in that team. As said this side had some very strong characters namely- Ince, Cantona, Hughes, Schmeichel, Robson, Bruce and Keane. The team of course. had great spirit and camaraderie but with the strength of the individuals it is not surprising that players admitted to tensions and anger boiling over fairly frequently. In his book Ferguson commented on the challenges keeping the team in check, both a flaw and stregnth they were very bad losers- the other side of pure winners. Ferguson comically described their tempers as “collectively combustible”. Poor discipline was a concerning thing and was something the manager needed to reign them in for, acts of poor discipline were punished more severely by heightened fines etc… Looking back on the bookings handed out, Eric was certainly the worst culprit. Winning mentality came in abundance with these players and you would often see them verbally tearing lumps out of each other on the pitch. Most frequently it was Schmeichel blaring at Pallister and Bruce for anything and everything, fobbing even his own mistakes on them, regularly! Bruce commented how Mark Hughes was a changed man stepping out onto the pitch, placid and quiet off it- he was entirely different during games. Gary Neville describes what these guys were like to play and train with-
"They were animals, some of them. To be honest, you could say that they weren't nice people to play with at times. They were so demanding, so aggressive. You lived or died by it, but we came through it. They were brutal at times, some of them.”
Cantona, though fiery his influence came in various ways. He was different to all the others- he had an intrigue, allure and confidence. He was dedicated to the game and his hard work off the pitch was an example that the younger players learnt from. When hearing fans reminisce about this team you always get the sense that there is a great respect for the team but also a sense of romanticism too. Romantic notions stemming as much from how little time this team was kept together and could actually play together for. In it’s absolute entirety (with players in their prime) it only really lasted this season.
Cantona, though fiery his influence came in various ways. He was different to all the others- he had an intrigue, allure and confidence. He was dedicated to the game and his hard work off the pitch was an example that the younger players learnt from. When hearing fans reminisce about this team you always get the sense that there is a great respect for the team but also a sense of romanticism too. Romantic notions stemming as much from how little time this team was kept together and could actually play together for. In it’s absolute entirety (with players in their prime) it only really lasted this season.
United’s run in the FA Cup seen them play Sheffield United, Wimbeldon, Nowich City, Charlton Athletic and Oldham Athletic. It was at times a nerve frought campaign but well remembered for some fantastic results and football. One of the early highlights was the 3-0 thrashing United dealt out to the leagues “hard men”, it certainly wasn’t an easy place to go and players of the time reflect on the intensity of both the crowd and opposition- not to mention the teams unique full blooded tactics. That Wimbeldon match seen Irwin score a fantastic team goal which had 27 passes in it’s build up. The Oldham match was taken to a replay after a stalemate at Wembley. Due to the excitement of the league tie versus Oldham there had been a-lot of anticipation and expectation leading up to this match. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to it’s billing and it took a last minute goal by Hughes to keep United in the running. Hughes goal was a spectacular volley and he had both a knack and reputation for scoring these big and important goals. The replay match at rivals ground Maine Road was won by 4 goals to 1. The goals were scored by Giggs, Irwin, Kanchelskis and Robson. The final pitted United against the only team that had beaten them at Old Trafford all season long in a competitive match. Chelsea, had in the league done the double over United. There was a faint hope for Chelsea but despite their heroics in the league United were very much firm favourites. The final turned out, after a slow start to be a one sided affair seeing United clinch the trophy 4-0 victors on the day.
Key man and the man of the season was Eric Cantona, it was his highest scoring season for the club netting a total of 25. He was the catalyst at the centre of almost everything United did. He was enjoying his football and the fans just couldn’t get enough of him. The enigmatic Frenchman was also named PFA player of the year. Eric’s poor discipline was the only bone of contention in that season with regards to him (certainly not for the first or last time). Think this with regards to his darker side is fitting “nothing so great is ever perfect”, the 1993/94 season Cantona was at the very top of a crest of waves of sheer brilliance. Other attacking players Giggs, Kanchelskis and Sharpe also stole many plaudits for their brilliant form and fantastic displays. Giggs at that time was still not allowed to speak to or rather chose not to speak to the media, it was his most productive season with regards to goals and his success garnered a great deal of overseas attention and admiration. This season was a one of dreams for the 20 year old which seen him feature over 50 times, scoring 17 and assisting 12. Mark Hughes also displayed impressive form and scored a total of 22 goals. Though the attacking players took the plaudit’s a solid and more or less ever present talented back five also played a key part. It was a season of many excellent performers and importantly of team performance too. As much as there were outstanding individuals they all played well as a unit. In the end the League title was claimed and won, 8 points the difference between United and their nearest contenders Blackburn. The team stayed at the top of the league for more or less the whole season. The FA Cup was won on May the fourteenth. Cantona scoring two penalties, Mclair and Hughes also found the back of the net.
The double that was won, might even have been a domestic treble had United not stumbled to defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in the League Cup final. Schmeichel’s absence through suspension was a definite miss and during the match United were reduced to ten when Kanchelskis was very harshly sent off. It was to be a season of fond farewell as Bryan Robson’s playing days at Old Trafford came to a close. It was a fitting end to a man that had given so much to United. A thirteen year service ended in winning ways and his old number found a good home on the back of Eric Cantona. There were a number of other exits including Les Sealey, Clayton Blackmore, Mike Phelan, Colin McKee, Neil Whitworth and Giuliano Maiorana. Brief signs of things to come were seen with the addition of some of the young players as part of the first team squad, a number of the Class of 92 made their competitive debuts and brief cameos in this season. The season prior to this, the most promising of the United youngsters were offered professional contracts in January. It had been a season of many highs on the pitch, excitement, tension, last gasp wins, comebacks, shock results and the team was playing at a very high standard. But with the departure of such an influential player as Robson there was that inevitable sadness at losing a player that was a hero/shining light to so many and a whole generation of United fans. That season also seen the passing of Sir Matt Busby, his death was felt by all at the club and beyond- such was the influence and brilliance of the man. He had been part of United for fifty years and in that time had done so much for United, built the club and fostered it’s unique spirit and identity that lives on to this day. Busby’s forward thinking for his time brought many developments/improvements to English football in general. Even the players who were new to the club would greet him as they passed his office and many recall the smell of his pipe wafting through the corridors. Sir Matt died on January the 20th 1994, two days following this United played Everton at home in the league. A minutes silence was held prior to kick off. The game was won by a goal to nil scored by Ryan Giggs.
Key Matches
United entered a derby day battered, bruised and humiliated after a nightmare trip to Turkey to play Galatasary. It was a horrible place to go with the team bus hurled with bricks, disturbances at the team hotel, mad fans and altercations with truncheon bearing heavy handed policemen in the tunnel. Worst of all though, it was United out of Europe so early, knocked out on away goals having blown a two goal lead in the first leg. Eric Cantona was also sent off in the fury of the match. The Turkish players cheating and foul play was unpunished by the referee, who failed to control the game and players. The match against City in November at Maine Road was played just four days after United crashed out of Europe. The City fans were in great form, rubbing United’s faces in it with chants of 'Two-nil up and yeh chuffed it up'. Berties fans wildest dreams were met when Niall Quinn scored putting City two up in the first half. Mercifully their high spirits didn’t last and they “chuffed” it up themselves. A stunning comeback in the second half, that put those noisy neighbours in their place. It was a welcome pick me up to suffering United fans. The winning goal of the match was scored by new recruit Roy Keane.
The 4-1 Demolition of Spurs in January 1993 at Old Trafford was, for many the game of the season. Ferguson lamented that it was like being in a football heaven watching his team able to produce such fine football. All the more admirable for Spurs had one of the best defences in the country at that time. Key moment in the game was a glorious, imaginative return pass by Cantona that set up Denis Irwin impeccably to score the games second. It was so well executed and such a piece of genuis- Cantona himself regards that as his best moment in a United shirt (whilst `kicking a football at least!). Spurs simply couldn’t live with United and were blown away. The victory as enjoyable as it was also cemented United’s place at the very top of the table.
Oldham Athletic 3-2, a thunderclap meeting between the sides, Oldham at that time had the threat of relegation breathing down their neck. United themselves were in a slight sticky patch, they had lost some distance from their second placed rivals in the table, successive draws against Arsenal and Swindon Town cut United’s lead. The matches preceding these draws, seen a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in the final of the League Cup. Atkinson’s side won very comfortably with Welshman Dean Saunders scoring two. The following match in the league seen United beaten by Blackburn, Alan Shearer scoring a brace. With United only leading by goal difference it was essential the team didn‘t drop anymore points. Cantona so influential was missing due to a five match suspension. Dion Dublin was afforded a rare start and it was his comeback season after a horrific broken leg injury. Dublin scored United’s second and the match is well remembered for its pace, excitement and end to end pulsating drama.
The FA Cup Final, once and still for many the most important game of the English league season. When announced, the fourteen man squad for United had one glaring omission, Bryan Robson’s name didn’t feature. It would have been an ideal way in many fans eyes to see Robbo bow out at Wembley, in a final like that. For Ferguson it was one of the toughest decision he had to make in his career not to include Robson. The United team won in confidence as they breezed passed Chelsea in a stunning 4-0 win at Wembley to get their hands on the FA Cup. The team sucker punched them by scoring 3 goals in quick succession- a period less than ten minutes! These goals served to put the game well out of Chelsea’s reach midway through the second half. United had started the game poorly and the team had needed the hairdryer at half time to put things right. Right they did, two penalties converted by Cantona, a goal by Mark Hughes and another by substitute Brian McClair rounded off a very good day and an even better season.
Clips and Highlights
League season highlights
Team interviewed after winning The FA Cup
A scintillating comeback vs. City (match highlights)
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